Bolton champions long game approach ahead of Maidenhead's derby against Windsor

Maidenhead want to win the division, that’s for sure, and they want to beat Windsor on Saturday, that’s a definite, but according to Russell Bolton, they don’t want to sacrifice long-term aims for short-term gains.

Maids top the South West 1 East table by a point from Old Patesians – having lost twice this season – and are on course to gain promotion, but the club’s head coach doesn’t want anyone to become too blinkered as to the club’s true target.

“For us, this half of the season is about keeping standards high and not getting carried away,”

He said. “We want to keep things on track. We need to focus on the things which have got us to where are.

“The temptation is always to select the strongest team, but that’s not what we have always done this season.

“We have tried to reward players who have put the effort in, and that’s the best approach for the long term.”

He added: “We have had some short-term success, which is great, but we want to do things the right way.

“We have to guard against the temptation of thinking too short term.

“Whether we get promotion or not, it’s about making the club stronger in all areas.”

Bolton says he will stick to the principles set when he took over the role 18 months ago, and that includes against Berkshire rivals Windsor at Braywick on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).

He said: “You might be surprised at the quality of some of the players who are on the bench against Windsor, as we are rewarding those who played really well down at Swindon (just before Christmas).

“Normally we would assess what team to select on Tuesday night at training, but because of the break we have had longer to look at the side and it’s almost decided.”

He added: “Perry Jansen and Will Cadden are not available, that’s opened up some positions.”